Aadhaar Card Common Problems & Solutions

Aadhaar is essential for almost everything in India — from opening a bank account to filing ITR. But what happens when something goes wrong? Whether your Aadhaar update got rejected, you're not receiving the OTP, or authentication keeps failing — it can be really frustrating.

Don't worry. This guide covers all common Aadhaar problems with clear, step-by-step solutions. We've arranged them by how frequently people face these issues.

Quick Tip: For most Aadhaar services, visit the official portal at myaadhaar.uidai.gov.in or call the UIDAI helpline at 1947 (toll-free).

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Problem 1: Aadhaar Update Rejected

Symptoms

• You submitted an Aadhaar update request (name, address, DOB, etc.) but received an SMS or email saying "Update Rejected."
• Update status check shows "Rejected."

Common Causes

• Invalid or unclear supporting document — blurry scan, expired ID, or document not in UIDAI's accepted list.
• Mismatch between document and submitted data — for example, name on document doesn't match what you entered.
• Poor quality photo or biometrics captured at the Aadhaar centre.
• Document not in English or local language — UIDAI may reject documents in other languages without translation.

How to Fix It

1. Check the rejection reason — Visit myaadhaar.uidai.gov.in → "Check Aadhaar Update Status" or use your URN (Update Request Number).
2. Prepare a valid document — Refer to the UIDAI valid documents list. Use a clear, legible copy.
3. Re-apply:
   • Online: Go to ssup.uidai.gov.in for address or identity updates.
   • Offline: Visit your nearest Aadhaar Enrolment Centre with original documents.
4. For name/DOB corrections, an offline visit is often more reliable. See our name correction guide.

Pro Tip: If your update is rejected twice online, visit an Aadhaar centre in person. The operator can verify your documents on the spot.

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Problem 2: Aadhaar OTP Not Received

Symptoms

• You request an OTP on the UIDAI portal, but no SMS arrives on your registered mobile number.
• OTP doesn't come even after multiple attempts.

Common Causes

• Mobile number not registered with Aadhaar or linked to a different number.
• Network issues — weak signal, DND (Do Not Disturb) enabled, or carrier delays.
• UIDAI server overload — high traffic during peak hours.
• Phone storage full — SMS inbox may be full.

How to Fix It

1. Wait at least 2–3 minutes — OTPs sometimes arrive with a delay.
2. Check if your mobile is linked — Visit myaadhaar.uidai.gov.in → "Verify Email/Mobile Number" to confirm your registered number.
3. Disable DND — Call your telecom provider or send STOP DND to 1909.
4. Clear SMS inbox — Delete old messages to free up space.
5. Try again after some time — If UIDAI servers are busy, wait 30 minutes and retry.
6. Use TOTP instead — Download the mAadhaar app and generate a Time-based OTP (TOTP). This doesn't depend on SMS delivery.
7. If mobile number is not linked, you'll need to visit an Aadhaar centre to update your mobile number.

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Problem 3: Aadhaar Authentication Failed

Symptoms

• "Authentication Failed" error when using Aadhaar for eKYC, bank verification, or government services.
• Fingerprint or iris scan doesn't match.

Common Causes

• Biometrics locked — You may have locked your biometrics for security (see Problem 8).
• Worn fingerprints — Manual labourers, elderly people, or those with dry/damaged skin often face this.
• Incorrect Aadhaar number entered.
• Server-side issues at UIDAI or the requesting agency.

How to Fix It

1. Check if biometrics are locked — Visit myaadhaar.uidai.gov.in → "Lock/Unlock Biometrics." If locked, unlock them temporarily.
2. Try OTP-based authentication instead of fingerprint — most services support this.
3. Moisturise your fingers before scanning — dry skin causes poor fingerprint reads.
4. Use iris scan as an alternative if the device supports it.
5. Verify your Aadhaar number — make sure you're entering the correct 12-digit number.
6. Try again later — UIDAI servers may be temporarily down. Wait and retry.
7. Update biometrics — If your fingerprints have changed significantly, visit an Aadhaar centre to update them.

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Problem 4: Mobile Number Not Linked to Aadhaar

Symptoms

• Cannot receive Aadhaar OTP.
• Services say "No mobile number registered with Aadhaar."
• You changed your phone number but didn't update Aadhaar.

Common Causes

• Mobile number was never registered during Aadhaar enrolment.
• You changed your SIM/number and forgot to update.

How to Fix It

Mobile number can only be updated by visiting an Aadhaar centre in person. This cannot be done online.

1. Find your nearest Aadhaar centre at uidai.gov.in → "Locate Enrolment Centre."
2. Carry your Aadhaar card (or enrolment slip) and one valid ID proof.
3. Fill the Aadhaar Update/Correction Form.
4. Provide your new mobile number — you'll receive an OTP on it for verification.
5. Collect your Update Request Number (URN) receipt.
6. The update usually takes 7–10 working days.

For the complete process, see our change mobile number in Aadhaar guide.

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Problem 5: Aadhaar Update Stuck / Pending

Symptoms

• Your Aadhaar update has been "In Progress" or "Pending" for weeks.
• No confirmation SMS or email received after update.

Common Causes

• High volume of requests — UIDAI processes millions of updates; delays happen.
• Document verification pending — Your documents may need manual review.
• Technical glitch at the enrolment centre.

How to Fix It

1. Check status online — Visit myaadhaar.uidai.gov.in → "Check Aadhaar Update Status." Enter your URN or Aadhaar number. See our update status check guide.
2. Wait up to 90 days — UIDAI officially says updates can take up to 90 days in some cases.
3. If it's been more than 90 days:
   • Call 1947 (UIDAI helpline).
   • File a grievance on the UIDAI grievance portal.
4. Re-apply — If the update is stuck indefinitely, consider submitting a fresh request.

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Problem 6: Aadhaar Name Mismatch

Symptoms

• Your name on Aadhaar doesn't match your PAN, passport, bank account, or other documents.
• Services reject your Aadhaar because of spelling differences.

Common Causes

• Typing error during original Aadhaar enrolment.
• Different name formats (e.g., initials expanded differently).
• Name changed after marriage but not updated everywhere.

How to Fix It

1. Decide which document to correct — It's usually easier to correct Aadhaar to match your PAN/passport.
2. Online correction: Visit ssup.uidai.gov.in → Update Name. Upload a valid identity proof showing the correct name.
3. Offline correction: Visit an Aadhaar centre with your original document.
4. Accepted documents for name change: Passport, PAN card, voter ID, driving licence, government ID, etc.
5. After correction, download your updated e-Aadhaar to verify.

For step-by-step instructions, see our Aadhaar name correction guide.

Note: UIDAI allows only 2 name changes in a lifetime through the self-service portal.

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Problem 7: Aadhaar Card Not Delivered

Symptoms

• You ordered an Aadhaar PVC card or reprinted Aadhaar letter, but it hasn't arrived.
• It's been more than 30 days since you placed the order.

Common Causes

• Incorrect address on Aadhaar.
• Postal delivery issues — India Post delays or wrong delivery.
• Order not processed — Payment may not have gone through.

How to Fix It

1. Track your order — Visit myaadhaar.uidai.gov.in → "Order Aadhaar Reprint" section to check delivery status.
2. Check your address — Make sure your Aadhaar has the correct and complete address. If not, update your address.
3. Wait up to 30 days — Delivery via India Post can take 2–4 weeks.
4. Download e-Aadhaar as backup — While waiting, you can download your e-Aadhaar which is equally valid.
5. Contact UIDAI — If it's been over 30 days, call 1947 or file a grievance.

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Problem 8: Aadhaar Biometric Lock / Unlock

Symptoms

• Fingerprint or iris authentication fails everywhere.
• You locked biometrics earlier and now can't use Aadhaar for authentication.
• You want to protect your biometrics from misuse.

What is Biometric Lock?

UIDAI allows you to lock your biometric data (fingerprint and iris) to prevent unauthorized authentication. When locked, no one can use your biometrics for any Aadhaar-based verification. You can temporarily unlock them when needed.

How to Lock Biometrics

1. Visit myaadhaar.uidai.gov.in.
2. Log in with your Aadhaar number and OTP.
3. Go to "Lock/Unlock Biometrics" → Select Lock.

How to Unlock Biometrics

1. Visit the same portal → "Lock/Unlock Biometrics" → Select Unlock.
2. You can choose temporary unlock — biometrics will auto-lock again after a set time (usually 10 minutes to 24 hours).
3. Use the mAadhaar app for quick lock/unlock on the go.

Security Tip: Keep your biometrics locked by default. Only unlock when you need authentication. This prevents misuse.

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Problem 9: Aadhaar Address Proof Rejected

Symptoms

• You tried to update your address online but the document was rejected.
• The enrolment centre refused your address proof.

Common Causes

• Document not in UIDAI's accepted list.
• Document is expired or more than 3 months old (for utility bills).
• Address on document doesn't match what you entered.

Accepted Address Proof Documents

UIDAI accepts 45+ documents as address proof. Some commonly used ones:

• Passport
• Bank statement / passbook (last 3 months)
• Voter ID
• Driving licence
• Electricity / water / gas bill (not older than 3 months)
• Rent agreement (registered)
• Government-issued address proof
• Insurance policy
• Property tax receipt

Alternative: Address Validation Letter

If you don't have any address proof, UIDAI offers a special option:

1. Visit an Aadhaar centre and request an Address Validation Letter.
2. UIDAI will send a secret code via post to your new address.
3. Use this code to complete the address update online.

For the complete process, see our Aadhaar address change guide.

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Problem 10: Duplicate / Multiple Aadhaar Cards

Symptoms

• You have two Aadhaar numbers issued to you.
• Government services flag your Aadhaar as duplicate.

Important Facts

• Every person should have only ONE Aadhaar number. Having multiple is a violation of the Aadhaar Act.
• UIDAI's biometric deduplication usually catches duplicates, but errors happen.

How to Fix It

1. Do NOT use both. Identify which Aadhaar number is linked to your bank, PAN, etc.
2. Report the duplicate by calling 1947 or emailing help@uidai.gov.in.
3. File a grievance on the UIDAI grievance portal requesting cancellation of the duplicate.
4. Visit an Aadhaar centre with both Aadhaar cards and original documents for resolution.

Warning: Using multiple Aadhaar numbers knowingly can lead to penalties under the Aadhaar Act, 2016.

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How to File a UIDAI Grievance

If none of the above solutions work, you can file a formal grievance with UIDAI:

Online Grievance

1. Visit the UIDAI Contact Us page at uidai.gov.in/en-contact-us.html.
2. Click on "File a Complaint" or "Grievance Redressal".
3. Select the category of your problem (update, authentication, etc.).
4. Enter your Aadhaar number, mobile number, and describe your issue in detail.
5. Upload supporting documents if needed.
6. Submit and note your Grievance ID for tracking.

Track Your Grievance

• Use your Grievance ID on the same portal to check status.
• UIDAI typically responds within 30 days.

Email Grievance

• Email: help@uidai.gov.in
• Include your Aadhaar number (masked — share only last 4 digits), URN, and a clear description of the problem.

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Aadhaar Helpline & Contact Details

Channel	Details
Toll-Free Helpline	1947 (available in 12 languages, 7 AM to 11 PM)
Email	help@uidai.gov.in
UIDAI Website	uidai.gov.in
Self-Service Portal	myaadhaar.uidai.gov.in
Grievance Portal	uidai.gov.in/en-contact-us.html
UIDAI Head Office	Bangla Sahib Road, Behind Kali Mandir, Gole Market, New Delhi – 110001

Tip: When calling 1947, keep your Aadhaar number and URN ready. It saves time.

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Related Guides

• How to Apply for Aadhaar Card Online
• Change Mobile Number in Aadhaar Card
• Aadhaar Address Change Online
• Aadhaar Name Correction Online
• Download e-Aadhaar Card Online
• Check Aadhaar Update Status

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Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: My Aadhaar update was rejected. Can I apply again?

Yes, absolutely. There's no limit on how many times you can re-apply. Just make sure you use a valid document from UIDAI's accepted list and that the details match exactly. If online keeps failing, visit an Aadhaar centre.

Q2: I'm not receiving Aadhaar OTP. What should I do?

First, check if your mobile number is actually registered with Aadhaar. If it is, try disabling DND, clearing your SMS inbox, and waiting a few minutes. You can also use the mAadhaar app's TOTP feature which doesn't need SMS. If your number isn't linked, you'll need to visit an Aadhaar centre.

Q3: Can I unlock Aadhaar biometrics temporarily?

Yes. Visit myaadhaar.uidai.gov.in or use the mAadhaar app to temporarily unlock your biometrics. They'll auto-lock again after the set time period. This is the recommended approach — keep biometrics locked by default.

Q4: How long does an Aadhaar update take?

Online updates usually take 7–10 working days. Updates done at Aadhaar centres may take 10–30 days. In rare cases, UIDAI says it can take up to 90 days. You can track the status using your URN.

Q5: What is the Aadhaar helpline number?

The UIDAI toll-free helpline is 1947. It's available from 7 AM to 11 PM in 12 Indian languages. You can also email help@uidai.gov.in for non-urgent queries.

Q6: I have two Aadhaar cards. Is that a problem?

Yes, it is. Every person should have only one Aadhaar. Having duplicates can cause issues with government services and may attract penalties. Report the duplicate by calling 1947 or filing a grievance on the UIDAI portal.

Q7: My Aadhaar address proof was rejected. What documents can I use?

UIDAI accepts 45+ documents as address proof including passport, voter ID, bank passbook, utility bills (under 3 months old), driving licence, and more. If you have no documents at all, ask for an Address Validation Letter at the Aadhaar centre.